Real Views or Bots?

[Ren_Silverstar]

Hi all,

I haven't really done a whole lot to advertise the story I've been posting (written by my husband, not me). It usually gets at least 8 views per chapter (often more but sometimes less), but no ratings or comments. Could these be real views or are they more likely bots or something? Does everyone's story get at least that many views per chapter? I'm not asking to complain or whine, as I know I haven't put in the effort to draw in people, but I'm curious.

 

[Eldoria]

It's not bots, but it could be your own views. The views algorithm is quite simple: it simply counts user clicks and the length of time a user stays on a chapter page. A view is considered effective if a user stays on the chapter page for at least 30 seconds. The SH algorithm is actually still superior to other platforms like webnovels, which have highly biased calculations (try refreshing the webnovel page for a specific novel; views will increase visibly).

 

[kn1is7otaku]

Most readers are silent by nature. They often follow many stories at once, so the idea of commenting, reviewing, or liking a story they aren't yet deeply invested in feels like a chore.

However, it's important to remember that these are real readers, despite what some may say. The proof is that bots can't sign up for Patreon, and the engagement pattern there is often the same. Even my Patreon subscribers (who are undoubtedly real people) frequently won't like, comment, or participate in polls, even when I politely ask.

This is simply the attitude of the average reader. They are here to read, and that is the only thing they are going to do.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Silent readers are super common. Though your own views count so it might be you. 3-20 views are normal until you reach round 30+ chapters.

 

[ConansWitchBaby]

We ain't fancy enough for bots.

 

[Ren_Silverstar]

It's not bots, but it could be your own views. The views algorithm is quite simple: it simply counts user clicks and the length of time a user stays on a chapter page. A view is considered effective if a user stays on the chapter page for at least 30 seconds. The SH algorithm is actually still superior to other platforms like webnovels, which have highly biased calculations (try refreshing the webnovel page for a specific novel; views will increase visibly).

Would time spent inside the editor count as views? I don't typically view my chapters except in the editor, and that is something I have definitely wondered about... Whenever I work on the book I'll click the "Create" tab, go to the Table of Contents and then select "Edit" on whichever chapter I want to fiddle with.

 

[ConansWitchBaby]

Nah, editing has it's own little world. You can see the difference in the url. The statistics page in the author dashboard can show you where the views are coming from.

 

[Ren_Silverstar]

Most readers are silent by nature. They often follow many stories at once, so the idea of commenting, reviewing, or liking a story they aren't yet deeply invested in feels like a chore.

However, it's important to remember that these are real readers, despite what some may say. The proof is that bots can't sign up for Patreon, and the engagement pattern there is often the same. Even my Patreon subscribers (who are undoubtedly real people) frequently won't like, comment, or participate in polls, even when I politely ask.

This is simply the attitude of the average reader. They are here to read, and that is the only thing they are going to do.

Oh for sure, I know that most people don't interact with online content and if people are silent we're perfectly okay with that It would be nice to have even one small indication that the "views" are real people who aren't us, hehe.

Nah, editing has it's own little world. You can see the difference in the url. The statistics page in the author dashboard can show you where the views are coming from.

YAAY! I figured, or perhaps just hoped, that would be the case, but didn't want to assume, heh.

Silent readers are super common. Though your own views count so it might be you. 3-20 views are normal until you reach round 30+ chapters.

We're actually at over 100 chapters now. About to finish off the second book of the trilogy and start the third before the end of the month

 

[Eldoria]

Would time spent inside the editor count as views? I don't typically view my chapters except in the editor, and that is something I have definitely wondered about... Whenever I work on the book I'll click the "Create" tab, go to the Table of Contents and then select "Edit" on whichever chapter I want to fiddle with.

Each time you click on a chapter, it counts as one view. To test this, simply enter a specific chapter, click edit, and then click update in the editor. The number of views will increase by one. However, it's important to note that SH differentiates between views (clicks) and effective reader views (at least 30 seconds spent on the chapter page). You can see information about views and effective views in the dashboard.

 

[Arkus86]

If it was bots, they would be trying to sell you cover art, exposure for your novel or other "services" in the comments. Likely together with shoveling you in empty praise. If they're silent, they are most likely actual readers.
For example, I rate, at best, half of the novels I read, and very rarely in the early chapters. I effectively never use the Favourite button on chapters. And only sometimes do I leave a comment.